A day has passed where you have felt as if you speak a language different from your partner. If you speak “tomato,” the other person will hear “potato.” The two worlds seem to be separate. It’s here that couples counseling can change the dynamic.
Imagine the following: While you sip on herbal tea in an inviting room, there is someone nearby who truly wants to improve your mutual understanding. Sounds dreamy, right? What happens during couples therapy sessions isn’t just a bad dream.
Picture John & Sarah. Their communication has felt like an unending telephone game for the past ten or so years. John is convinced that Sarah won’t listen to him; Sarah has the impression John will never open up. These two people are trapped in a circle of frustration and misunderstandings.
First, they are asked to tell their stories without interruption. It is more challenging than you would think. Slowly they are able to identify the problem. John realises he doesn’t speak because he fears conflict. Sarah finds out that she interjects when she wants to be understood.
Sometimes laughter can break the tension. There are times when laughter is needed to break tension. John, who admits to thinking “active listening” was nodding in agreement while he mentally planned his next trip fishing. Sarah may confess to hiding her shopping bag in the car trunk, waiting until John went to bed.
These are the moments that make life worth living. This levity helps couples remember that under the tensions and miscommunications, love and humor are waiting to be rediscover.
Counseling doesn’t only involve talking about problems. You also need to learn how to work together. Try active listening. This means you should really listen to what the other person says, without reacting in any way or becoming defensive. This is similar to learning a brand new dance. It can be awkward initially, but becomes more fluid with practice.
This is empathy: putting your self in someone else’s shoes – even if it’s three sizes smaller or way bigger than you would like! You need to be able to recognize their pain without immediately trying fix the problem.
You can also use the ‘I’ statement to make conversations less aggressive.
It’s true that sometimes, the worst can happen before things improve. In the sunlight, old wounds are exposed and tears start to flow.
There is much potential in these raw moments for growth, reconnection and even weeding out the weeds. This will allow your flowers to grow back stronger than you ever imagined!
Remember date night! The counselors are always urging couples to reconnect by setting aside a time where they can enjoy one another without interruptions. ).
Do you remember Sam & Liz? With kids running about everywhere, you have little intimacy after 15 years of marriage. After the kids had slept, their counselor suggested they have weekly dates. Even if this meant getting pizza to eat while snuggled up under blankets watching romcoms. After a few hours, they were laughing and reminiscing together about their shared past. The joy was renewed!
This is important, let’s be clear: to seek help does not mean to admit defeat. Instead it acknowledges human imperfection and the need for progress. Together we should face all challenges as partners.
The fact that you seek out expert guidance does not indicate weakness. Instead, it is a strong sign of commitment and a demonstration that your relationship will be successful.
You know, after all who would not want a love that endures the test of time and is filled with understanding, respect for each other?
Right, then take the plunge! Discover love and connection through power couple counseling.